A type of emergency contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex is Plan B, sometimes referred to as the "morning-after pill." It functions by blocking fertilization, postponing ovulation, or impeding the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. The alteration of your menstrual cycle is one of Plan B's possible negative effects. This article will go through Plan B's potential effects on your period and the relevant scientific data.
How Plan B May Impact Periods
- Your menstrual cycle's duration and timing may be altered with Plan B.
- Your period may start a few days or even a week later as a result.
- Additionally, it may cause spotting or breakthrough bleeding, your period to be lighter or heavier than usual, or both.
- The hormones in Plan B have the potential to alter your body's normal hormonal balance, which could alter your menstrual cycle. Reasons Plan B Might Affect Your Period
- Plan B affects the time and length of your menstrual cycle by delaying ovulation or suppressing implantation.
The hormones in Plan B have the potential to alter your body's normal hormonal balance, which could alter your menstrual cycle. Plan B and menstrual cycle research
- Plan B can postpone the start of menstruation by an average of 5.5 days, according to a 2005 study that was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with some women reporting delays of up to 12 days.
- According to a 2007 research in the Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, Plan B can alter the frequency and duration of menstrual flow, resulting in some women having heavier or lighter periods than usual.
- According to a 2010 research in the Journal of Contraception, up to 27% of women who use Plan B may experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Plan B should only be used in an emergency and not on a daily basis, it's crucial to remember. Consult your doctor right once to rule out any underlying conditions if your menstrual cycle has changed after taking Plan B.
Plan B should only be used in an emergency and not on a daily basis, it's crucial to remember. Consult your doctor right once to rule out any underlying conditions if your menstrual cycle has changed after taking Plan B.
References:
- Trussell J, Ellertson C, Stewart F, et al. Emergency contraceptive pills: a simple proposal to reduce unintended pregnancies. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106(5 Pt 1):1117-1122. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000183337.16554.f3
- Glasier A, Cameron ST, Blithe D, Scherrer B, Mathe H, Levy D. Can we identify women at risk of pregnancy despite using emergency contraception? Data from randomized trials. Contraception. 2007;75(3):226-232. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2006.11.006
- Polis CB, Schaffer K, Blanchard K, et al. Advance provision of emergency contraception for pregnancy prevention. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(4):817-827. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181d5b7c5
- Gold MA, Wolford JE, Smith K, et al. Long-term effects of emergency contraception with levonorgestrel or the Yuzpe regimen. J Adolesc Health. 2015
